Sarah Heckmann

• Led dual brand RFP for avid Hotel and Candlewood Suites exceeding savings targets by 8% • Established a transparent cross functional process for managing FF&E price increase requests • Renewed 33 Holiday Inn supplier agreements for another 42 month term, securing $1M in cost avoidance • Reduced price increase risk and contractually strengthened the Atwell Suites FF&E program KPIs through a targeted supplier strategy • Created scalable presentation templates improving clarity and stakeholder communication • Supported Design in creating category standards documentation reinforcing brand program consistency

• Identified and onboarded new suppliers across key countries and categories, expanding sourcing capabilities and improving cost competitiveness • Trained and managed a team of Sourcing Associates and Specialists • Expanded furniture swatch program to improve the customer shopping experience and reduce returns • Resourced major furniture programs to drive margin improvement and minimize supply chain and vendor concentration risk • Managed high SKU furniture and décor programs across multiple import and domestic vendors, ensuring alignment on cost, quality, and delivery • Collaborated with vendors and cross functional partners throughout product development to increase speed to market • Developed implementation and transition plans for product improvement updates reducing inventory loss • Established seasonal product development timelines tailored to manufacturing locations and lead times • Led domestic and international multi team trips to review product, assess factories, and qualify new suppliers • Executed cost and quantity negotiations to meet target retails, margins, and projected demand